The Varsity had a tournament in Peterson today. Here is Tyler in the dugout keeping the stats.

The start of a new era happened yesterday. We now have to pay to see Tyler play a sport. It's sort of weird. For 10 years I've been bringing him to games and watching him play. Yesterday, he drove the car to school to catch the team bus and I hopped in with Steve. When we arrived at Carroll I had to pay to get in to watch my own son. He was the starting pitcher for the JV baseball squad. He pitched the first 3 innings. He did a great job getting the corners for strikes. For the last 3 innings he played shortstop. The varsity coach told me he did a great job for the team. He sure did! He also is in the dugout for the Varsity game. He's the official stat keeper. Tyler said its harder than it looks. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for making the 2 hour trip to see Tyler play his first JV game. We all abided by the "rules." He didn't hear a thing. Good job to us all!

For 93 years, 2 months, and 1 week Lorraine Kneifl, better known as Grandma K, lived on this earth. Today, at her funeral, she brought together 5 generations of family to mourn her death. She brought us together to revisit the old neighborhood. She brought us together to recall the good old days. She brought us together to remember the past. So as I sit here and think of all the old familiar faces I seen today and all the catching up I go to do of days gone by, I'm not mourning for the loss of my grandma, I'm really celebrating her life and what was important to her and that was us family. So here's to you Grandma K...you may have left us from this earth but your relationship with your family will never die. I love you.

Today, at graduation, Mr Tollefson gave his last performance as the director for the SLHS concert choir. He is taking the Assistant Principal job at SLHS. Although, it is bitter sweet to see him leave the choir it will be exciting to see him bring his hardwork, dedication, respectful nature and good work ethic to the entire school. The concert choir performed 2 songs today: Battle Hymn of the Republic and Gaelic Blessing. They sounded beautifully on this most special occasion.

Tonight we celebrated the SLHS tennis program at a banquet. The team received Distinguished Academic Achievement for maintaining a 3.25-4.0 gpa for the season. The kids really did a good job on and off the court. Coach Kuker commented on Tyler's ability as a player and said even though he mostly played doubles matches he is a very strong singles player. He covers the court well and likes to be the one to hit the ball. Good job on your first season as a tennis player. It was fun to watch you grow as a player.

Last night Steve got to the gym early so Grandma, Hollie, Joyce and I could enjoy a front row seat at Tyler's Spring concert. The music was fantastic! It was so special for Tyler to have a row of family and friends there to support him. Thank you for coming. It means alot to both of us.
After the concert Tyler was eating goulash for supper and Chloe wanted some too. She ate onions, tomatoes, and sauce! It was too cute.

Tyler serving

Today was Tyler's last tennis match of the season. He had a different partner, Trey Sliefert, this time. They lost their doubles match 2-6. Tennis has been a new sport for both of us. Tyler to play and me to watch. There are a few "tennis parent rules" I plan on taking with me to other sports: cheer when your son does something good, encourage don't discourage, and remember he has a tennis pro and it's not you;)I have definitely enjoyed watching Tyler learn, enjoy, and grow as a player of the game.

Tyler standing next to Grandma and Grandpa's "Hooter Tree."

Happy Mother's Day! We had a fabulous day celebrating in Sioux City. First, Grandpa treated us to brunch at Bev's on the River. Then we headed to the mall where I got some shopping time. Afterwards, on our drive home, Tyler handed me a gift certificate to our favorite place to eat. I felt like a real "Queen for a day." Then we came home. That's when I saw I have dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, piles of laundry waiting to be washed, and vacuuming to do. That's ok though...for today it's Mother's Day. I'm going to sit back, relax, and count all the blessings I have: my grandmother's, my mother and being a mother.

The Storm Lake Bass Choir, aka all men's group, received a 2 rating on "Prayer of the Children."
The Storm Lake Mixed Choir 1, aka jv choir, received a 2 rating on "A Gaelic Blessing" and "Where Your Bare Foot Walks."

Friday night the Storm Lake Band, Orchestra, and Choir groups competed in the State Large Group Music Contest in LeMars.

Tyler and Darren's doubles match vs. LeMars ended in a tie, 6-6. They did such a good job volleying. They have improved sooo much. I'm so proud of Tyler for trying a new sport, having fun with it, and enjoying it with his teammates.

The tennis team had a home meet today. They lost their doubles match 4-6. One of the players for ELC was a #5 varsity player. The boys got good experience hitting some harder serves. Tyler also played a singles match against the #4 Varsity player and beat him 6-1. Great job!!!
Thanks to the "team moms" for supplying the snacks for the boys after they play. This is Mr. Netten's last year of coaching and teaching at SLHS. He is retiring. Tyler will miss him greatly but is glad he got the oppurtunity to have him as a coach for his Freshman year.